WHO-ORS
Oral rehydration salts (WHO reduced-osmolarity formula)
The most life-saving thing in your medicine drawer — if you mix it right and pick the real one.
Educational reference only — not medical advice. *Doses shown are typical adult label doses. Read the pack, and confirm with a doctor or pharmacist — especially for children, pregnancy, the elderly, or any chronic condition.
What it's for
Uses
Why it earns its place
Benefits
- Replaces water AND salts in the exact ratio the gut absorbs best
- Reduces the need for IV drips in most home diarrhoea cases
- Safe for all ages when mixed correctly — including children
- Costs less than ₹25 per litre of protection
The honest column
Side effects
Common — usually settle
- None at correct dilution
- Mild nausea if gulped too fast
Stop & see a doctor
- Vomiting everything for over 6 hours — needs a doctor
- No urine for 8+ hours, sunken eyes, drowsiness — emergency dehydration signs
Before you take it
Cautions & interactions
- ORSL, Rebalanz and similar tetra packs are fruit drinks — NOT WHO-ORS. Look for 'WHO-ORS' on the sachet
- Never mix in less water to make it 'stronger' — wrong concentration harms
- Kidney or heart patients on fluid restriction should ask a doctor first
- Pair with zinc for children's diarrhoea (doctor-guided)
On the shelf
Brands in India & where to buy
Prices are indicative MRPs for the listed pack sizes and change often — always verify on the pharmacy listing or pack. Links open marketplace searches; Naked Compound has no sponsorship or affiliate arrangement with any brand listed. Brand names are examples of what's commonly stocked, not endorsements.
When to skip self-medication
Fever beyond 3 days, blood anywhere it shouldn't be, chest pain or breathlessness, severe abdominal pain, a child under 6, pregnancy, or symptoms bouncing back within a week — any of these means see a doctor the same day instead of reaching for this pack.
Read this before you reach for anything
This page is an educational reference, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prescription. Doses shown are typical adult label doses for short-term self-care. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, and anyone with chronic conditions or on regular medication should check with a doctor or pharmacist first. If symptoms are severe, unusual, or match any red flag above, skip the self-medication and see a doctor. Read how we work in our methodology.